Ireland in Low Season (IRELS)

Welcome to Dublin and day one of this relaxing Irish winter guided tour! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel before embarking on an orientation tour. Discover the city’s many highlights before visiting St Patrick’s Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to explore the magic of this city at leisure, or join the optional excursion for a true taste of Ireland! Kick off with an authentic pub lunch. Continue with a visit to a whiskey museum for a tasting and finish the excursion by admiring the Books of Kells in the Trinity College Old Library. This evening, head back to the hotel for a treat – a delicious three-course dinner!

Awake to dreamy Dublin and enjoy a hotel breakfast before hopping on the coach to the next destination – the mediaeval city of Kilkenny! Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of this magical city built on the banks of the River Nore and spot the 13th-century Kilkenny’s Cathedral. Next, enjoy free time for lunch and explore attractions like Kilkenny Castle. Or, join the optional excursion for lunch in the historical Kyteler’s Inn, followed by a visit to Smithwick’s brewery, the oldest in Ireland, and a visit to the St Canice Cathedral for unmatched views! Next, head to Waterford and embark on an orientation tour once you arrive this evening. Enjoy an included hotel dinner with the group tonight.

This morning, wave goodbye to Waterford as the tour continues on to its next destination: Killarney. But first, journey to Cork for an afternoon of exploration and adventure. Discover everything you need to know about Ireland's third-largest city during your orientation tour with your tour leader. Then, enjoy free time to grab some lunch and explore at leisure or get the gift of gab by kissing Blarney's stone on our optional excursion to Blarney castle! Later this afternoon, arrive in Killarney. Take some time to wander around this charming town. In the evening, check into the hotel before sitting down for a hearty dinner.

Today, take full advantage of your free day to admire the splendour of Killarney! After breakfast, head out for a day of any activities you wish. Alternatively, join the full-day optional excursion including a scenic drive around the iconic Ring of Kerry. Take a jaunting ride and admire the dreamy landscapes of Killarney National Park while learning about Ireland’s rich history. Enjoy an Irish coffee at a local inn, wander around Waterville seaside, shop for souvenirs in Sneem and snap some postcard-like photos along the way! This is truly the best way to spend your free day in Killarney.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Killarney as the tour continues to Galway. En route, stop for some stunning photos in Adare, a picturesque village famous for its thatched-roof cottages. Next, continue to the compact old town of Limerick. Once you arrive, join your tour leader on an orientation tour. Tick off highlights such as The Treaty Stone, King John's Castle and Saint Munchin's Catholic Church. Enjoy free time for lunch before departing to the Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s top attraction on tour! Marvel at and photograph these striking cliffs, then continue to Galway for this evening's accommodation. Arrive and get immersed into this centuries-old harbour town on an orientation tour. Enjoy free time to grab dinner before heading to the hotel.

This morning have a lie-in, or take the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Visit Kylemore Abbey on an optional excursion where serenity meets dramatic landscape. Savour a cream tea before driving through Connemara National Park. Capture its stunning views between the loughs and mountains. Enjoy a visit to the picturesque medieval town of Athlone, which is home to the oldest pub in Ireland! Next, depart for Dublin. Check into the hotel and join the optional excursion for an unforgettable final evening of Irish music, food and dance!

After a week of exploring the most memorable sights and collecting life-changing experiences in Ireland, the tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you'd like to stay in touch with your new travel family, remember to exchange contact details before departing. Expat Explore hopes you had an incredible time making lifelong memories on tour, and we hope to see you on the road again soon!